@doctorboo1 Welcome to Connect! Debra has written a very helpful post with links to many other informational items to read. Have you noticed symptoms before you were 79? To share my experience, I will NEVER regret a septal myectomy in 2022 at age almost 76. Breathing had suddenly became difficult with activity. I was a very active person, walk, gym, bike, paddle, garden etc. and suddenly could not do those things without a struggle. Within a couple of months after surgery I resumed them again, slowly at first, and lo and behold, easy breathing. Last week was a 70,000+ step week. You are weighing your options and thoughts, a retired army nurse friend pointed out exactly what you noted: surgery while you are healthy enough if that is recommended to you. Camzyos: you have probably read as I did that it's a miracle drug, it does nothing, it helps for a time and then does not. My doctor said that too, when I asked him what he thought. It was still in testing when my symptoms worsened and my doctor did not recommend it. I was not a good candidate for it. Debra suggested contacting 4hcm.org, they will do an intake and help you with logistics. There are Zoom informational discussions, I am a Face of HCM on that website, look for Linda M in a picture with red hair on a boat. Where do you receive your care?

@doctorboo1 , I have exactly ZERO regrets about having open heart surgery!
The thing is...we are all different and each one of us will present with many of the same symptoms, but then we react differently to meds or surgery.
I was on at least 5 or 6 different beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, none worked. Camzyos wasn't an option because of the clinical trials.
But my HOCM was also very severe by the time I was diagnosed. I was misdiagnosed for several years with a variety of other heart conditions. Didn't have 'em!

The decision for open heart surgery should not be taken lightly. For sure it is a major surgery and anyone with any sense at all would be afraid.
It comes down to what you and your physician decide is in your best interest.
Having said that, however, you know you better than anyone, so always keep learning, always keep advocating, and always try and have an open mind about this.

HOCM is such a weird condition. There are days you are fine. Then days you can barely breathe or stay awake. I am impressed by your attitude and your physical fitness. That is your secret weapon in this newly diagnosed, unwanted visitor to your heart.
I was told by Dr Ommen at the Mayo Clinic, that is was very unlikely the obstruction would re-grow after surgery. After all, it took 62 for it to become severe, so most likely it would not cause issues like it did.

I still have HCM. We all will forever. So yes, there are some left-over symptoms that I live with. But being able to power-walk up a steep hill on my daily 5-mile walk is a blessing I will never regret having the ability to do!
Did I answer your question, or just ramble??